The opening section shows the proclamation of Queen Elizabeth II in the Market Square in Northampton in February 1952. The Mayor and other dignitaries stand on the steps of the cast iron fountain and watch an army salute.
We then see preparations in the town for the Coronation celebrations of June 1953. Two mechanical bell ringers are seen (representing Crispin and Crispinian - the patron saints of cobblers) and we see people putting up hanging baskets and window boxes containing flowers, street flower beds being prepared and a flag pole being raised. We then see high angle views from the Town Hall showing the Market Square and nearby buildings decorated with flags and bunting. From street level we then see the Adnitt Brothers department store and several more buildings and streets that have been decorated. The residents of Gloucester Close pose for the camera with their prize for the best decorated street.
Coronation Day (2 June 1953) begins with a service in Market Square and a military parade including a marching band. We also see a group of people dressed in Elizabethan costumes including a woman (Freda Spatcher) riding a horse representing Queen Elizabeth I. The next section shows a twilight boat parade along the river followed by a group of children wearing fancy dress. A group of adults are also in costume and there are views of dancing on a terraced street. We then see a baseball match underway on a rugby pitch (probably Franklin's Gardens). Young and old of the town are briefly represented by a nurse holding a baby and an elderly man dozing on a bench. The film ends with shots of the Union flag being raised.
Sponsored by the Coronation Committee of Northampton Town Council
Photographed by E. Coombs; F. W. Coombs; L. Warwick
Edited by L. Warwick